Third in four games, another comeback at home marks a turning point for Hercules
The remarkable return continued for Hercules after a dramatic 82nd minute equalizer in a match against CD Ibiza, which ended in a narrow defeat. Lolo Escobar, the team’s coach, spoke from the press room with calm conviction, recalling a future he once imagined from the sidelines of Bernabéu. He said he had seen success and kept telling himself that someday he would lead such a team, never giving up in the process.
He emphasized that the team must always keep its soul alive and never retreat. Only through such persistence could a challenge as demanding as earning a promotion be met, he affirmed, speaking from his roots in Extremadura and his deep ties to the Spanish capital where he grew up.
Escobar added that while luck has seemed to accompany them since his arrival, luck must be earned through hard work. The squad delivers consistently high weekly preparation, producing results that reflect careful study and quality analysis. Fortune can help, but it is the underlying effort that truly creates opportunities on the pitch.
Jean Paul has learned from the experience, still young, and will face opponents who do not always see the game as I do, though I always demand clarity and fair play
After a setback, the team showed resilience and combativeness, which Escobar views as essential. He reflected on the decision to hire the squad and noted that mistakes are not highlighted as much as strengths are leveraged. This approach has helped several players rise to meet the demands of a club with high expectations.
He acknowledged that Jean Paul is young and has much to learn. He urged players not to act impulsively and to stay clean in their conduct. Yet he also stressed that one mistake should not define a player, and the team would not abandon its course. The French player involved in an early exchange was sent off for losing control after a heated moment in the 10th minute, a reminder of the discipline required in a marathon season.
Hércules supporters have witnessed elite football and know exactly when to push and when to lift their team
Escobar explained that a compact defensive stand and patience set the stage for a decisive moment. He recalled how they waited for their chance, which arrived in the 81st minute but could not be finished. Later, when the referees signaled another opportunity, he did all he could, recognizing that the outcome would still hinge on the players’ discipline and endurance. He called for greater competition to drive training standards even higher.
The stands, filled with passionate spectators, contribute as much as any tactical decision to the club’s progress. Escobar noted that while oxygen can be scarce in the sun-drenched sections, the noise and energy from the fans pushed the team forward. They celebrated with unwavering support, displaying the kind of loyalty that turns a good team into a great one and helps sustain a push toward their stated goals.
When journalists pressed for comments as he left the room, Escobar praised Nico Espinosa for a standout return and described him as the club’s best transfer, a player who could be pivotal in the decisive phase of the season. There was also an acknowledgement that reinforcements would be necessary to strengthen the squad on the wings and at the back, ensuring the project remains robust and capable of sustaining a charge toward promotion. The coach spoke with confidence about the team’s trajectory and the plan to maximize the talent already on the roster. This assessment came after a match that underscored the importance of tempo, focus, and collective effort for Hércules in a demanding campaign. (Source: press conference remarks attributed by team media)